Mental Health in College Athletics

Suicide rates among people of all ages in the United States increased over the past two decades, making it a serious public health problem. Among U.S. college athletes, suicide is now the second leading cause of death after accidents. Rates have doubled from 7.6 percent to 15.3 percent over the past 20 years, according to a study published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

The St. Lawrence community has had its own experience with the impact of mental health on athletes. “We have lost two of our community’s athletes who were always happy around their teammates and coaches,” said Shelly Roiger, the head volleyball coach at St. Lawrence University. “We want to create a culture where athletes are able to identify mental health the same way they would address an injury: without the stigma.”

While mental health and suicide is increasing among the general population, athletes tend to be overlooked. “Collegiate athletes are often thought to have protective factors like a sense of community with their team, coaches support, trainers and doctors,” says Bridget Whelan, a sports science research coordinator at the department of family medicine at the University of Washington. “Unfortunately, this study shows that college athletes are just as susceptible to these mental health concerns.”

The researchers observed the data of increasing suicide rates to see if it was affected by demographics. “Of the 1,102 deaths that occurred in the 20-year time period, 128 were predominantly male and white,” says Whelan. “Athletes often have additional pressures such as performance, academics and social media expectations.”

The primary goal of this study is to acknowledge the importance of mental health. “This is a biologically preventable topic, and we want to share this message,” says Whelan. “We want to increase the access to care and decrease the stigma around mental-health conversations.”

As athletics become more prevalent at the collegiate level the data keeps coming back with higher percentages. “I think the NCAA needs to do more, the intent is there but the stats show the problem has not been fixed,” says Cheyenne Young, the assistant volleyball coach at St. Lawrence and former collegiate athlete at Husson University. “If you tear your ACL there’s a nine-month rehab, there isn’t a technical program like that for mental health.”

Additionally, the public keeps college athletes and their performance as a regular topic amongst media. “We live in a society where there is a lot of emphasis on sports,” says Roiger. “When you are in the spotlight, there is minimal room for error.”

Living in the spotlight as a student athlete can bring both pros and cons to the experience. “I love being a part of a team here on campus,” says Mattigan Porter ’26, a volleyball player at St. Lawrence University. “But we often battle finding time for practice, homework, ourselves, family and even trying to continue hobbies or clubs.” As athletes continue to navigate daily pressures and expectations, both the NCAA and coaches have been looking for ways to reduce the struggle. “Recently, athletes have been granted mental health days,” says Young. “We had mental health practice where counselors came to talk to us about self-image.”

St. Lawrence University provides resources for students and student athletes regarding mental health. “We have wellness events, like dog de-stress, meditation and yoga,” says Rosalyn Leon Urbano ’26, an intern in the wellness office. “The events are great, but we are striving to have more available times for counselors who often work nine to five when students are in class.”

Other resources on campus depend on the provided areas for mental health for athletes. “We have athletes for athletes here on campus, “ says Porter. “I’m lucky to be in an environment where my coach is open to talking about mental health, where I’m not sure how other teams handle these situations.”